Ecker built a reputation for defending high-profile clients in the Pittsburgh region. They included Thomas Hose, who abducted and imprisoned Tanya Kach and made her his sex slave for a decade. He also defended Ronald Taylor, who now stands on death row for killing three people at a Wilkinsburg McDonald's in March 2000.

Ecker's legal partner of seven years, Brent McCune, told Channel 4 Action News about a man who was also generous with his counsel.

McCune said Ecker would often give his clients his cellphone and home phone numbers so they could reach him at any time.

"There was only one Jim Ecker, and he was there for people and he was always a presence. He was the ringmaster," said McCune. "He could handle any situation with courage and dignity, no matter how horrible."

Attorney Phil DiLucente told Channel 4 Action News, "Jim was a living legend in his own time and a Pittsburgh icon. He was a great lawyer and friend I will miss deeply."

The medical examiner says Ecker died of natural causes. Funeral arrangements are pending.